Italy and the Middle East

As of 11 March 2026, Italy has maintained much of its diplomatic presence across the Middle East, though several embassies have operated with reduced staff, specialized "Gulf Task Force" support, or temporary, security-related closures due to heightened regional tensions. 

Based on information from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Farnesina) and active notices, the following key embassies remain operational, with a focus on facilitating the departure of Italian nationals: 

• Israel (Tel Aviv): Remained active, though it experienced temporary closures for emergency security reasons in early March 2026.
• Lebanon (Beirut): The embassy remains fully operational to assist nationals, despite staff reductions.
• Iraq (Baghdad): Operational, but staff numbers have been reduced for security reasons.
• Syria (Damascus): Italy has reopened its embassy, with a focus on long-term regional stability.
• UAE (Abu Dhabi & Dubai): Active; additional staff were deployed to these offices to assist with evacuations.
• Saudi Arabia (Riyadh & Jeddah): Operational, but a rare "avoid travel" warning was issued for the capital and Eastern Province in March 2026.
• Other locations: Embassies in Amman (Jordan), Muscat (Oman), Kuwait City (Kuwait), and Doha (Qatar) are also listed as part of the operational network. 

However. on 6 March, The Italian government decided, "for security reasons," to "temporarily close" its embassy in Tehran and transfer all diplomatic personnel to Baku, Azerbaijan,

Key Operational Statuses

• "Gulf Task Force": Established to assist Italians in the region.
• Consular Services: While physical offices have experienced temporary closures (e.g., Tel Aviv on March 2-3), assistance is being provided via mobile teams and the digital FAST-IT platform.
• Evacuations: A significant repatriation operation (approx. 25,000 citizens) has been carried out primarily facilitated through UAE, Oman, and Qatar. 

Note: The situation is highly fluid and, as indicated in early March 2026, specific offices may temporarily close or restrict access based on immediate security condition

As of 11 March 2026, Italy is actively deploying and reinforcing its military presence in the Middle East, primarily focused on defensive air defense assistance to Gulf states and naval protection for Cyprus, while explicitly ruling out direct involvement in offensive operations against Iran. 

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that Italy is coordinating with European allies to provide defensive assets, motivated by the need to protect approximately 2,000 Italian troops already in the region and tens of thousands of Italian citizens, following a sharp rise in regional tensions. 

Key Deployments and Operations (as of 11 March 2026):

• Air Defense in the Gulf: Italy is deploying advanced air defense systems (including potential SAMP/T batteries) to Gulf nations to counter drone and missile threats.
• Naval Presence in Cyprus: A naval unit is being dispatched to the vicinity of Cyprus to bolster security and protect the European partner from regional strikes.
• UNIFIL (Lebanon): Over 1,000 Italian soldiers remain in southern Lebanon as part of the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission.
• Maritime Security: Italian naval units, such as the frigate Virginio Fasan, are active in the Red Sea/Horn of Africa area, operating under national mandates (Mediterraneo Sicuro) rather than direct US command. The guided-missile frigate Federico Martinengo was deployed from Taranto to the Cyprus area to bolster security alongside European allies in response to heightened tensions and Iranian-backed threats. It is participating in a coordinated mission with France, Spain, and the Netherlands. It has joined the naval group escorting the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, which is currently operating in the area.

·         Operation Aspides: European leaders are assessing whether the EU naval operation Aspides, currently deployed in the Red Sea, could be used to support naval escorts

• Non-belligerent: Meloni emphasized, "Italy is not at war with anyone and will not be at war with anyone," aiming to avoid a third front in the ongoing regional conflict.
• Resource Constraints: Defense Minister Guido Crosetto noted that Italian defense capabilities are heavily strained due to ongoing support for Ukraine and existing commitments, making new deployments "delicate".
• Evacuation Readiness: The Italian government has prepared contingency to evacuate personnel if necessary.

·